South Africa head home after defeat to Netherlands in World Cup

South Africa's World Cup journey has come to an abrupt end after a two-nil defeat to Netherlands on Sunday.

Jill Roord gave the Netherlands a lead in the opening stages of the last 16 encounter with Lineth Beerensteyn securing the second goal in the second half due a blunder by South African keeper Kaylin Swart.

The Netherlands are now two wins from reaching back-to-back finals in the tournament.

South Africa had already exceeded expectations by advancing to the knockout stage and each of the South African players will head home with $50,000.

The Netherlands will now take on Spain on August 11 while Banyana Banyana will be looking at their next chance of World Cup glory in 2027.